Details

• Indonesia
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I would prepare as much information about your wanted university, like what courses you want to do and what this specific university offers you that WU might not offers. As well as why you want to do this exchange and makes you a perfect choice. For preparation for the exchange itself I would make sure you have all vaccinations and insurances. My travel choice was obviously the plane. It depends on your flights but takes around 12-30 hours.

2. Accommodation

It was quite easy to find an accommodation since the other reports already mentioned Ganda, who owns a lot of houses and rents them to students. I lived in a "villa" with 13 other girls, but each of us had their own room with private bathroom. Kitchen was shared and we had a pool! Location was vry safe since we had a gate and a guy sitting in front most of the time. Them house was around 10-15 mins with the scooter from the university. You can also rent scooters from Ganda, but we careful since you have to pay deposit and will most likely not getting it back. Also what I wish I would known beforehand that there are also other options besides Gandas houses that pricewise are also better, but for the first month I would recommend Gandas houses.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is very big, but also has older facilities. The classrooms only have chairs with a little desk you can unfold, which is kind of annoying if you have papernotes or anything. Your attendance will be claimed via fingerprint. The university also places great importance on respect, such as adhering to the dress code. Teaching styles compared to WU: At UGM you can use "Cheat Sheets" at exams which makes it easier to write it. As well some teachers are very strict about coming late to their classes and some might just kick you out (happened once for me). In general you have to do a lot of presentations, almost every class. I would recommend Leading Change and International Business.

5. Every day life in the host country

I rented a scooter since there are no public transportation, only one bus who takes forever. Yogyakarta was very safe and the people super friendly. I think the best activities you can do is either explore the nature around, drive to the beach (1-2hours away), visiting temples and also they have cheap gyms there. As well as trying the local food/different restaurants since its cheaper compared to Austria.

6. Testimonial

Learning about new cultures, especially one so different than your own was amazing. Meeting new people from all over the world and connect with them as well. You have so many new places to explore which also left me stunned.